The highly anticipated Callinan Review into the lockout laws was published yesterday, a review that – in short – suggested lockouts be pushed to 2am, drinks sales pushed to 3.30am and the takeaway alcohol limit pushed to 11pm.

Naturally, this has left a bad taste in our mouths, as it seems the former High Court Judge Ian Callinan has danced around the facts by delivering, what we consider, an insulting conclusion.

So with this, after the amazing response from February’s 15,000 strong anti-lockout law rally,  Keep Sydney Open are doing it again!

In their own words, “Keep Sydney Open will hold a rally on October 9  to demand the NSW State Government act to address the damage to vibrancy and the local economy outlined in Justice Callinan’s report.

Keep Sydney Open recommends evidence based policy, including but limited to:

1. Developing best-practice policing strategies;
2. Investing in 24/7 public transport;
3. Implementing integrated urban planning reform;
4. Encouraging diversification of after-dark activities;
5. Establishing anti-violence education & intervention campaigns;
6. Incentivising well-run venues; and
7. Appointing a Night Mayor or similar.

Keep Sydney Open welcomes Mr Callinan’s recommendation to relax lockout and cease of service times. However, given the severe threat to Sydney’s cultural life and night time economy, a trial extension of the lockout by a mere thirty minutes is not enough to save our reputation and businesses on the brink.

Keep Sydney Open recommends the lifting of the 1:30am lockout, the lifting of 3:00am cease of service and takeaway liquor sales to midnight and the removal of the freeze of liquor license applications in inner-city entertainment districts, in conjunction with the above.”

So for everyone who cares about Sydney nightlife, we strongly recommend heading along on October 9 to show Mike Baird and the NSW government that we won’t quit until Sydney returns to the vibrant, exciting city it once was.

Head to the Facebook event for more info on the rally.